The previous GT3 R had an extremely successful final stint last year and set itself up as the firm’s racing car standard. A high bar to surpass however, the Stuttgart-based firm has unsurprisingly managed to exceed expectations and has unveiled the 911 GT3 R’s successor. Behold the 911 GT3 R – based on the 992 generation.
The 911 GT3 R signifies another evolutionary step in Porsche’s racing stable, and with the tremendous success of the previous iteration, the new GT3 R seeks to outperform its predecessor.
Pumping high-octane fuel through the GT3 R’s veins is a naturally aspirated 4,2-litre flat-six motor with an output of 416 kW, which is a lot since the previous 911 GT3 R produced 410 kW. The engine —found in the usual rear-ward position is mated to a six-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox. It seems that the team have stressed the importance of elevating the level of drivability with the new GT3, which is presented not in the amount of power the new version makes, but rather in how that power is delivered.
Porsche optimized the power delivery resulting in a wider spread of usable torque and power curve across the rev band, which echoes the aim of improving drivability which is an ideal present throughout the GT3 R’s design.
Furthering the efforts of unrelenting refinement familiar with the Porsche nameplate, an overhaul of the GT3 R’s suspension has taken place. The front axle receives a “state-of-the-art” double wishbone setup while the rear is outfitted with a multi-link suspension system. Other elements complementing these suspension upgrades are the front six-piston callipers and rear four-piston callipers mated to 390mm and 3700mm discs developed by specialist AP.
Grant Larson from Style Porsche was responsible for the design of the new GT3 R’s figure. Many components and design elements are sourced from the Porsche RSR. A design element directly adopted from the 911 RSR is the “race underfloor” concept which Essentially is an elevated underbody allowing for more significant airflow and reduced pitch sensitivity. The underside of the GT3 R begins at the elevated underbody at the front axle, which sweeps into the smooth under tray curtailed by the pronounced rear diffuser.
The entirety of the car’s chassis is composed of lightweight carbon fibre with tiny elements such as the wheel arches made out of aramid fibres resulting in a dry weight of around 1250 kg. Inside the GT3 R, drivers will find themselves more centred and surrounded by an FIA spec safety roll cage with newly developed side impact protection. Throw a steering wheel from the 911 RSR into the cabin, and you’ve got a mean-looking setup
Porsche will unveil the car at this year’s 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and praises that by the start of 2023, customer teams will be able to begin their new year in the new GT3 R.
